Coded cartridge holder and fastener enabled by cartridge size

ABSTRACT

A coded cartridge holder for use with a drug delivery device is provided. The cartridge holder includes a fastener that becomes operative based in part on a length of a cartridge or a diameter of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridge holder is coupled to the drug delivery device. The cartridge holder comprises a first blocking feature. The drug delivery device includes a cartridge detector comprising a second blocking feature. This feature may be a pin, for engagement with the first blocking feature of the cartridge holder when the cartridge acts on the cartridge detector. The cartridge holder may further include a fastening mechanism configured to fasten the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device only when the second blocking feature engages the first blocking feature.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/522,491, filed Dec. 4, 2012, which is a U.S. National PhaseApplication pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No.PCT/EP2011/050799 filed Jan. 21, 2011, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/297,611 filed on Jan. 22, 2010 andalso claims priority to European Patent Application No. 10160873.5 filedon Apr. 23, 2010. The entire disclosure contents of these applicationsare herewith incorporated by reference into the present application.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to reservoirs, particularlyreservoirs containing a medicament. More particularly, the presentdisclosure is generally directed to a coded cartridge holder and afastener enabled by a cartridge intended for use with the cartridgeholder, for example a cartridge having the correct size, so as toprevent unwanted reservoir cross use. As just one example, suchmedicament reservoirs may comprise an ampoule, a cartridge, a vial, or apouch, and may be used with a medical delivery device. Exemplary medicaldelivery devices include, but are not limited to syringes, pen typesyringes, pumps, inhalers, or other similar injection or infusingdevices that require at least one reservoir containing at least onemedicament.

BACKGROUND

Medicament reservoirs such as ampoules, cartridges, or vials aregenerally known. Such reservoirs are especially used for medicamentsthat may be self administered by a patient. For example, with respect toinsulin, a patient suffering from diabetes may require a certain amountof insulin to either be injected via a pen type injection syringe orinfused via a pump. With respect to certain known reusable pen type drugdelivery devices, a patient loads a cartridge containing the insulininto a proximal end of a cartridge holder. After the cartridge has beencorrectly loaded, the user may then be called upon to select a dose ofmedicament. Multiple doses may be dosed from the cartridge. Where thedrug delivery device comprises a reusable device, once the cartridge isempty, the cartridge housing is disconnected from the drug deliverydevice and the empty cartridge is removed and replaced with a newcartridge. Most suppliers of such cartridges recommend that the userdisposes of the empty cartridges properly. Where the drug deliverydevice comprises a disposable device, once the cartridge is empty, theuser is recommended to dispose of the entire device.

Such known self administration systems requiring the removal andreloading of empty cartridges have certain limitations. For example, incertain generally known systems, a user simply loads a new cartridgeinto the delivery system without the drug delivery device or without thecartridge having any mechanism of preventing cross use of an incorrectcartridge. That is, the drug delivery device does not have a mechanismfor determining if the medicament contained in the cartridge is indeedthe correct type of medicament to be administered by the patient.Alternatively, certain known drug delivery devices do not present amechanism for determining if the correct type of medicament within thecartridge should be used with that particular drug delivery system. Thispotential problem could be exacerbated given that certain elderlypatients, such as those suffering from diabetes, may have limited manualdexterity. Identifying an incorrect medicament is quite important, sincethe administration of a potentially incorrect dose of a medicament suchas a short acting insulin in lieu of a long acting insulin could resultin injury or even death.

Some drug delivery devices or systems may use a color coding scheme toassist a user or care giver in selecting the correct cartridge to beused with a drug delivery device. However, such color coding schemespose challenges to certain users, especially those users suffering frompoor eyesight or color blindness: a situation that can be quiteprevalent in patients suffering from diabetes.

As such, there is a growing desire from users, health care providers,care givers, regulatory entities, and medical device suppliers to reducethe potential risk of a user loading an incorrect drug type into a drugdelivery device. There is also, therefore, a desire to reduce the riskof dispensing an incorrect medicament (or the wrong concentration of themedicament) from such a drug delivery device.

There is, therefore, a general need to physically dedicate ormechanically code a cartridge to its drug type and design a drugdelivery device, for example an injection device, that only accepts orworks with the dedication or coded features provided on or with thecartridge so as to prevent unwanted cartridge cross use. Similarly,there is also a general need for a dedicated cartridge that allows themedical delivery device to be used with only an authorized cartridgecontaining a specific medicament while also preventing undesiredcartridge cross use.

There is also a general need to provide a dedicated cartridge that isdifficult to tamper with so that the cartridge may not be compromised inthat the cartridge can be used with an unauthorized drug or drugdelivery device. Because such cartridges may be difficult to tamperwith, they may also reduce the risk of counterfeiting: i.e., making itmore difficult for counterfeiters to provide unregulated counterfeitmedicament carrying products.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drugreservoir and a drug delivery system where the safety for the user isimproved.

SUMMARY

For purposes of the present disclosure, a cartridge dimension, such aslength or diameter, may indicate a particular drug or medicament. Acartridge holder may be coupled to (e.g., inserted into) a drug deliverydevice. If the cartridge or drug is correct for the device (i.e., thecartridge has the correct dimension), the cartridge holder may beproperly secured, i.e., fastened to the drug delivery device. Inparticular, a fastening mechanism may be enabled or is allowed tofunction properly. The fastening mechanism may be enabled by thecartridge and, in particular, by a mechanical interaction of thecartridge with the cartridge holder or a part of the drug deliverydevice, to fasten the cartridge holder to the device. On the other hand,if the cartridge or drug is not correct for the drug delivery device(i.e., the cartridge has an incorrect dimension), the fasteningmechanism may be disabled from functioning properly. Thereby, thecartridge holder cannot be properly secured to the device. Thus, thissystem ensures that the appropriate cartridge can only be used with thecorrect drug delivery device.

According to one aspect, a cartridge holder for use with a drug deliverydevice, for example a pen type drug delivery device is provided. Thecartridge holder may comprise an inner bore being configured to receivea cartridge, for example a glass cartridge. The cartridge holder mayfurther comprise a fastening mechanism configured to fasten thecartridge holder to the drug delivery device. The fastening mechanismmay comprise a first fastener configured to engage with a secondfastener of the drug delivery device for fastening the cartridge holderto the drug delivery device. As examples, the first fastener maycomprise a pin, a tab or a groove. The second fastener may comprise acorresponding feature engageable with the first fastener. The fasteningmechanism may comprise any means suitable for securely fastening thecartridge holder to the drug delivery device.

The fastening mechanism may be configured such that an elasticdeformation of at least one of part of the drug delivery device and thecartridge holder by mechanical interaction with a cartridge accommodatedin the cartridge holder enables fastening the cartridge holder to thedrug delivery device. In particular, the fastening mechanism may beconfigured such that only if a cartridge intended for use with the drugdelivery device and, in particular, a cartridge having the correctdimension, for example the correct length or diameter, is accommodatedin the cartridge holder, fastening is enabled. Accordingly, a fasteningof the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device may be disabled by acartridge having an incorrect dimension, for example an incorrect lengthor diameter.

The cartridge holder may be configured such that an accommodatedcartridge acts on the fastening mechanism of the cartridge holder. Inparticular, the cartridge may act on a part of the fastening mechanismand thereby elastically deform the part of the fastening mechanism. Asan example, the cartridge may act with its proximal end on the fasteningmechanism. The elastic deformation may result in the correctconfiguration of the fastening mechanism, and, in particular, of thefirst fastener such that an engagement of the first fastener with acorresponding second fastener of the device is enabled. As examples, thefastening mechanism may comprise an inwardly facing sprung arm or anelliptical ring comprising the first fastener. By a deformation of thesprung arm or the elliptical ring, the first fastener may be pushedradially outwards by a portion of a cartridge such that the fastener isin the correct position for engagement with a second fastener of thedrug deliver device.

The cartridge holder may comprise a first blocking feature configuredfor engagement with a second blocking feature of the drug deliverydevice, if a correct cartridge is accommodated in the cartridge holder.As examples, the first blocking feature may comprise a notch or a pin.The second blocking feature may have a corresponding design. On anelastic deformation of a part of the drug delivery device the firstblocking feature may be enabled to engage with the second blockingfeature, thereby enabling a fastening of the cartridge holder to thedrug delivery device. In particular, the drug delivery device maycomprise a cartridge detector, wherein on elastic deformation of a partof the cartridge detector by a correct cartridge, fastening of thecartridge holder to the drug delivery device is enabled. Here, aproximal end of the cartridge may act on the cartridge detector. Thecartridge detector may comprise a resilient member, for example aspring, which is elastically deformed by the cartridge. The cartridgedetector may comprise the second blocking feature. By an elasticdeformation of a part of the cartridge detector by a correct cartridge,the second blocking feature may get into a correct position, for examplea correct axial position, to engage with the first blocking feature. Ifan incorrect cartridge is accommodated in the cartridge holder, thesecond blocking feature may not get into the correct position such thatan engagement with the first blocking feature is disabled. In analternative embodiment, the cartridge may deform a part of the cartridgeholder to enable engagement of the first and second blocking feature.

According to a specific embodiment, a cartridge holder for use with adrug delivery device is provided. The cartridge holder comprises aninner bore being configured to receive a cartridge and a fasteningmechanism configured to fasten the cartridge holder to the drug deliverydevice. The fastening mechanism is configured such that an elasticdeformation of at least one of part of the drug delivery device and thecartridge holder by mechanical interaction with a cartridge accommodatedin the cartridge holder enables fastening the cartridge holder to thedrug delivery device.

According to a specific embodiment, a cartridge holder for use with adrug delivery device is provided. The cartridge holder comprises aninner bore being configured to receive a cartridge and a fasteningmechanism enabled by a proximal end of the cartridge. The fasteningmechanism comprises at least one inwardly facing sprung arm.

According to a further specific embodiment, a cartridge holder for usewith a drug delivery device is provided. The cartridge holder comprisesan inner bore being configured to receive a cartridge and a fasteningmechanism enabled by a proximal end of the cartridge. In particular, thefastening mechanism may be enabled by a mechanical interaction of theproximal end of the cartridge and the fastening mechanism. The fasteningmechanism may include an elliptical ring.

According to a further aspect, a drug delivery device for use with acartridge holder is provided. The cartridge holder may accommodate acartridge and may be secured to the drug delivery device. The drugdelivery device may include an inner bore configured to receive thecartridge holder. The cartridge holder may have any of the structural orfunctional properties as described above. In particular, the cartridgeholder may comprise a fastening mechanism. The cartridge holder mayfurther comprise a first blocking feature. A cartridge detector may belocated within an inner bore of the delivery device, and may include asecond blocking feature for engagement with the first blocking featurewhen the cartridge acts on the cartridge detector. The drug deliverydevice may comprise a fastening mechanism configured to interact with afastening mechanism of the cartridge holder to fasten the cartridgeholder to the drug delivery device. Here, a fastening may only beenabled when the second blocking feature engages the first blockingfeature.

According to a specific embodiment, a drug delivery device for use witha cartridge holder is provided. The cartridge holder may have anyfunctional and structural properties as described in this disclosure.The cartridge holder accommodates a cartridge and is configured to beattached to the drug delivery device. The drug delivery device comprisesa device fastening mechanism configured to interact with the fasteningmechanism of the cartridge holder to fasten the cartridge holder to thedrug delivery device when the cartridge holder accommodates a correctcartridge.

According to a specific embodiment a drug delivery device for use with acartridge holder is provided. The cartridge holder accommodates acartridge and is configured to attach to the drug delivery device. Thedrug delivery device comprises an inner bore being configured to receivethe cartridge holder. The cartridge holder includes a first blockingfeature. Furthermore, the drug delivery device includes a cartridgedetector located within the inner bore including a second blockingfeature for engagement with the first blocking feature when a portion ofthe cartridge acts on the cartridge detector.

According to a further aspect, a method for securing a cartridge holderinto a drug delivery device is disclosed. The method comprises the stepsof providing a cartridge holder including a cartridge, wherein thecartridge holder has a first blocking feature. The method furthercomprises providing a drug delivery device having a second blockingfeature and coupling the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device sothat a portion of the cartridge acts upon a cartridge detector locatedwithin the drug delivery device to align a first blocking feature with asecond blocking feature. The first blocking feature may be a part of thecartridge holder and the second blocking feature may be a part of thedrug delivery device. In particular, the second blocking feature may bea part of a cartridge detector as described above. The method mayfurther comprise the step of rotating the cartridge holder so that thesecond blocking feature engages the first blocking feature. Here, arotation may be only enabled, when the first blocking feature is alignedwith the second blocking feature. By the rotation of the cartridgeholder and the engagement of the first and second blocking feature, afastening of the cartridge holder to the device may be enabled. Themethod may further comprise fastening the cartridge holder to the drugdelivery device by a fastening mechanism.

These as well as other advantages of various aspects of the presentinvention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art byreading the following detailed description, with appropriate referenceto the accompanying drawings.

The scope of the invention is defined by the content of the claims. Theinvention is not limited to specific embodiments but comprises anycombination of elements of different embodiments. Moreover, theinvention comprises any combination of claims and any combination offeatures disclosed by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary pen type drug delivery device;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary drug cartridge;

FIG. 2 illustrates a coded cartridge holder including a fasteningmechanism enabled by cartridge size;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the cartridge holder of FIG. 2being inserted into the drug delivery device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of a correct cartridge fastenedwithin the drug delivery device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of an incorrect cartridge placed inthe drug delivery device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a coded cartridge holderincluding a fastening mechanism enabled by cartridge size;

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of an incorrect cartridge placed inthe drug delivery device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a coded cartridge holderincluding a fastening mechanism enabled by cartridge size; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of an incorrect cartridge placed inthe drug delivery device of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown a drug delivery device 100 in theform of a pen type syringe. The drug delivery device 100 comprises adose setting mechanism 102, a cartridge holder 104, and a removable cap106. A proximal end 105 of the cartridge holder 104 and a distal end 103of the dose setting mechanism 102 are removably secured together. Thepen type syringe may comprise a re-usable or a disposable pen typesyringe. Where the syringe comprises a re-usable device, the cartridgeholder 104 and the dose setting mechanism are removably coupledtogether. In a disposable device, they are permanently coupled together.In FIG. 1A, the dose setting mechanism 102 comprises a piston rod 109,such as a threaded piston rod that rotates when a dose is injected.

To inject a previously set dose, a double ended needle assembly (notshown) is attached to a distal end 108 of the cartridge holder 104.Preferably, the distal end 108 of the holder 104 comprises a thread 121(or other suitable connecting mechanism such as a snap lock, snap fit,form fit, or bayonet lock mechanism) so that the needle assembly may beremovably attached to the distal end 108 of the holder. When the drugdelivery device 100 is not in use, the removable cap 106 can bereleasably retained over the cartridge holder 104.

An inner cartridge cavity 111 defined by the cartridge holder 104 isdimensioned and configured to securely receive and retain a cartridge,such as glass cartridge 120. FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view ofthe cartridge 120 that may be used with the drug delivery device 100illustrated in FIG. 1A. Typically, the cartridge 120 is manufactured ofglass and includes a generally tubular barrel 122 extending from adistal end 130 to a proximal end 132. The cartridge 120 may be insertedinto an inner bore 101 of the drug delivery device 100.

At the distal end 130, the cartridge 120 includes a smaller diameterneck 126, wherein this neck 126 projects distally from the shoulder 131of the barrel 122. Preferably, the smaller diameter neck 126 is providedwith a large diameter annular bead 124 which extends circumferentiallythereabout at the extreme distal end of the neck 126 and defines anopening 127. A pierceable seal or septum 133 is securely held across theopening 127 by a metallic sleeve or a ferrule.

Medicament 125 is pre-filled into the cartridge 120 and is retainedwithin this cartridge 120, in part, by the pierceable seal 133, aferrule, and a stopper 128. The stopper 128 is in sliding fluid-tightengagement with the inner tubular wall of the barrel 122. Axiallydirected forces acting upon the stopper 128 during dose injection ordose administration urge the medication 125 from the cartridge 120though a double ended needle mounted onto the distal end 130 of thecartridge holder 104 and into the injection site. Such axially forcesmay be provided by the piston rod 109 working in unison with the dosesetting member 102.

A portion of the cartridge holder 104 defining the cartridge holdercavity 111 is of substantially uniform diameter represented in FIG. 1Aby Di 134. This diameter D₁ 134 is preferably slightly greater than thediameter D₂ 136 of the cartridge 120. The interior of the cartridgeholder 104 includes an inwardly-extending annular portion or stop thatis dimensioned to prevent the cartridge 120 from moving within thecartridge holder 104. In this manner, when the cartridge 120 is loadedinto the cavity 111 of the cartridge holder 104 and the cartridge holder104 is then connected to the dose setting member 102, the cartridge 120will be securely held within the cartridge holder cavity 111. Thecartridge holder 104 may also include a fastening mechanism for securingthe cartridge holder 104 within the drug delivery device 100, which isdescribed in more detail below.

A number of doses of a medicament 125 may be dispensed from thecartridge 120. Preferably, the cartridge 120 contains a type ofmedicament that must be administered often, such as one or more times aday. One such medicament is insulin.

The dose setting mechanism 102 comprises a dose setter 117 at theproximal end of the dose setting mechanism 102. In one preferredarrangement, the dose setter 117 is rotated to set a dose. To administerthis set dose, the user attaches the needle assembly comprising a doubleended needle on the distal end of the cartridge holder 104. In thismanner, the needle assembly pierces the seal 133 of the cartridge 120and is therefore in liquid communication with the medicament 125. Theuser pushes on the dose setter 117 to inject the set dose. The same dosesetting and dose administration procedure is followed until themedicament 125 in the cartridge 120 is expended and then a new cartridgemust be loaded in the drug delivery device 100. To exchange an emptycartridge 120, the user is called upon to remove the cartridge holder104 from the dose setting mechanism 102.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a cartridge holder such ascartridge holder 104 may be coded to a delivery device, so that givencartridge holders may only be connected with intended drug deliverydevices and vice versa. FIG. 2 illustrates a first arrangement of acoded cartridge holder 200. This coded cartridge holder 200 may beconnected to a drug delivery device, such as drug delivery device 100.For instance, the cartridge holder 200 may be attached to a drugdelivery device that has a similarly coded portion. This similarly codedportion may be, for example, a locking mechanism and/or fasteningmechanism that is enabled only by the correct length and/or diameter ofthe cartridge 200. The coded cartridge holder 200 is intended for usewith a drug delivery device similar to the drug delivery device of FIG.1A, but a preferred drug delivery device for use with the codedcartridge holder 200 would have a slightly modified inner cavity.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first arrangement of a coded cartridge holder 200of the drug delivery device 100. In this arrangement, cartridge lengthindicates a particular drug or medicament. A cartridge, such ascartridge 120, of a particular length is inserted into the codedcartridge holder 200, which is then inserted into the drug deliverydevice 100. If the cartridge 120 or drug is correct for the device 100,the cartridge holder 200 may be properly secured to the drug deliverydevice 100 by a fastening mechanism, such as fasteners 212, 216.However, if the cartridge 120 or drug is not correct for the device 100,(e.g., the cartridge 120 is too short or too long or too wide), thefastening mechanism will not be enabled to function properly, and thecartridge holder 200 cannot be properly secured to the drug deliverydevice 100. Thus, this system ensures that the appropriate cartridge 120or drug (i.e., the appropriately sized cartridge) can only be fastenedto the correct delivery device 100.

The coded cartridge holder 200 may include a first blocking feature 202,204. The first blocking feature 202, 204 may engage with a secondblocking feature 210 to ensure that the correct length cartridge 120 andthus the correct drug or medicament is being used with the drug deliverydevice 100. The first blocking feature 202, 204 may include a slot 202located on a proximal end 205 of the cartridge holder 200. The slot 202may further include a notch 204 arranged perpendicular to the slot 202,as shown in FIG. 2. The notch 204 may retain the second blocking feature210, located within an inner bore 101 of the drug delivery device 100,when the correct length cartridge 120 is inserted into the drug deliverydevice 100. The second blocking feature 210 may include a pin 210. Thenotch 204 allows the cartridge holder 200 to be rotated and positionedinto place within the drug delivery device 100 when the pin 210 travelsup through the slot 202.

It should be understood that although the slot 202 and notch 204 areshown on the cartridge holder 200, they could be located on the drugdelivery device 100. Similarly, the pin 210 may be located on thecartridge holder 200. Alternatively, one or more slots 202 could be onthe cartridge holder 200 and one ore more notches 204 on the drugdelivery device 100.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the distal end 103 of the drug deliverydevice 100 may include a cartridge detector 206 located within its innerbore 101. The second blocking feature 210 may be located on thecartridge detector 206. The detector 206 may be a sprung plate 206. Thesprung plate 206 may include a spring 208 or any other suitable biasingdevice. The sprung plate 206 is moveable along a longitudinal axis ofthe inner bore 101 of the drug delivery device 100. The sprung plate 206may be actuated by a cartridge 120 when the correct length cartridge 120is inserted into the cartridge holder 200. The sprung plate 206 may alsobias the cartridge 120 against the cartridge holder 200 so as to improvedose accuracy.

The coded cartridge holder 200 may further include at least onefastening mechanism 212, 214. The fastening mechanism 212, 214 isenabled when the second blocking feature 210 engages the first blockingfeature 202, 204, which indicates that the correct length cartridge 120has been inserted into the drug delivery device 100. The fasteningmechanism 212, 214 may be a bayonet fastening mechanism, for example.Alternatively, the fastening mechanism may be any suitable fasteningmechanism, such as a snap lock, snap fit, form fit, etc. The fasteningmechanism 212, 214 may include a first fastener 212, such as a pin 212,located near the proximal end 205 of the cartridge holder 200, and asecond fastener 214, which may be a corresponding groove 214 locatednear the distal end 103 of the drug delivery device 100. In a preferredembodiment, a second fastening mechanism 216, 218 may be included on thecartridge holder 200 to more securely fasten the cartridge holder 104 tothe drug delivery device 100. The second fastening mechanism 216, 218may include a second pin 216 and a second corresponding groove 218.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the cartridge holder 200is first inserted into the drug delivery device 100, the proximal end ofthe cartridge 120 contacts the sprung plate 206 in the inner bore of thedrug delivery device 100. This proximal end of the cartridge 120 pushesagainst the sprung plate 206 to move this plate 206 along thelongitudinal axis of the drug delivery device 100. If the drug cartridge120 has the correct length for this particular drug delivery device 100,the pin 210 on the sprung plate 206 will align with the slot 202 in thecartridge holder 104, and is moved until it is in line with the notch204. The cartridge holder 200 may then be rotated so that the pin 210slides along the notch 204. As the pin 210 slides along the notch 204,the pins 212, 216 of the fastening mechanisms 212, 214, 216, 218 alsoengage with the corresponding grooves 214, 218. The cartridge holder 200is thus properly fastened to the drug delivery device 100. If the drugcartridge 120 is too short or too long and is therefore not the correctcartridge 120 for that particular drug delivery device 100, the pin 210will not properly align with the notch 204. As such, the pins 212, 216will not engage with the grooves 214, 218 on the drug delivery device100. Thus, the cartridge holder 200 cannot be rotated or fastened to thedrug delivery device 100, as shown in FIG. 5.

One advantage of the disclosed coded cartridge holder system is that itprevents assembly of cartridges that are either too short or too longfor a given drug delivery device, thereby preventing the accidentalintake of the wrong type of drug by a patient.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a second arrangement of a coded cartridgeholder 300 for use with a cartridge, such as the cartridge 120illustrated in FIG. 1B, that may be used with a pen type drug deliverydevice, such as the drug delivery device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A.Similar to the coded cartridge holder 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, thiscartridge configuration comprises a cartridge 120 inserted into acartridge holder 300, similar to cartridge holder 104 illustrated inFIG. 1A, the size of the cartridge 120 indicating a particular drug.

The coded cartridge holder 300 includes an inner bore 302 beingconfigured to receive a cartridge 120. The cartridge holder 300 mayfurther include a fastening mechanism 304, 306 which interacts with aproximal end 132 of the cartridge 120. In this way, when a correctlydimensioned cartridge 120 is placed in the cartridge holder 300, it maybe fastened by the fastening mechanism 304. Therefore, if an incorrectlydimensioned cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge holder 300, theholder 300 can not be connected to the drug delivery device 100.

The fastening mechanism 304, 306 may include at least one inwardlysprung arm 304. In a preferred embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 6, thefastening mechanism 304, 306 includes two inwardly sprung arms 304, 306.Although the embodiment shows two arms 304, 306, any number of arms maybe used. The inwardly sprung arms 304, 306 may be molded as part of thecartridge holder 300, or they may be a separate component. The inwardlysprung arms 304, 306 may each include an outwardly projecting pin 308,310.

As well as coding the drug by cartridge length, this embodiment alsoallows coding by cartridge diameter. For example, if the diameter of thecartridge 120 is too large, the cartridge will not fit in the holder300. Further, if the diameter of the cartridge 120 is too small, thefastening mechanism 304, 306 would not be enabled and thus could notsecure the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device 100.

In operation, when the cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridgeholder 300, the inwardly sprung arms 304, 306 are pushed outwards by theproximal end 132 of the cartridge 120 so that they may act as fasteningfeatures. The outwardly projecting pins 308, 310 may then mate withcorresponding grooves on the drug delivery device 100, such as grooves214, 218 shown in FIG. 2, to securely fasten the cartridge holder 300 tothe drug delivery device 100.

If the cartridge 120 is too long, it may interfere with the drugdelivery device 100 during fastening. If the cartridge 120 is too short,as shown in FIG. 7, the outwardly projecting pins 308, 310 of theinwardly sprung arms 304, 306 will not be exposed and therefore will notbe able to mate with the corresponding grooves, such as grooves 214, 218on the drug delivery device 100.

To ensure adequate strength, the inwardly sprung arms 304, 306 may beflexible in the radial direction, but relatively stiff in an axialdirection. Alternatively, the inwardly sprung arms may be supported inan axial direction.

It should be understood that any suitable fastening mechanism can beused to secure the cartridge holder 300 to the drug delivery device 100,for example a thread, a pin following a groove or other bayonet, or snapfit.

In one embodiment, slots (not shown) may be formed in the cartridgeholder 300 to allow access for removing a cartridge 120 (e.g., anincorrect short cartridge 120). Alternatively, a separate removal toolcould be supplied with the drug delivery device 100.

One advantage of such a coded cartridge arrangement is that it preventsuse of cartridges 120 that are either too short or too long for aparticular drug delivery device, or where the cartridge diameter is toolarge or too small, thereby preventing the accidental intake of thewrong type of drug by a patient.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a yet another arrangement of a coded cartridgeholder, similar to cartridge holder 104, for use with a cartridge 120that may be used with a drug delivery device, such as the pen type drugdelivery device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, anelliptical ring 400 may be attached into the cartridge holder (notshown) to act as the fastening mechanism for fastening the cartridgeholder to the drug delivery device 100. The elliptical ring 400 mayinclude one or more outwardly protruding tabs 402, 404. These tabs 402,404 may engage with corresponding grooves, such as grooves 214, 218 asshown in FIG. 2, on the drug delivery device 100. It should beunderstood that any suitable fastening mechanism can be used to securethe cartridge holder to the drug delivery device 100 instead of theprotruding tabs, for example a thread, a pin following a groove or otherbayonet, or snap fit.

In operation, during the insertion of a correct cartridge into acartridge holder, such as cartridge 120 into cartridge holder 104illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cartridge forces the elliptical ring400 into a circular shape, thereby allowing the fastening mechanism,protruding tabs 402, 404, to protrude outwardly as shown in FIG. 8. Theprotruding tabs 402, 404 may then engage with corresponding grooves,such as grooves 214, 218 as shown in FIG. 2, on the drug delivery device100 to securely fasten the cartridge 120 and cartridge holder 104 to thedrug delivery device 100.

As shown in FIG. 9, if the cartridge 120 is incorrect for the drugdelivery device 100, (e.g., the cartridge 120 is too short), theelliptical ring 400 will not be forced into a circular shape, and theprotruding tabs 402, 404 will not engage with the corresponding grooves.To remove an incorrect cartridge 120, such as a cartridge 120 that istoo short, the user may compress the ellipse on its major axis.

The disclosed coding system results in a number of advantages. Forexample, the disclosed coded cartridge holder arrangements assist a userto distinguish between medicaments, thereby helping to ensure that adelivery device can only be used with a medicament for which the deviceis intended.

The disclosed coded cartridge holder also prevents a user fromcompleting one or more of the following actions: fully inserting thecartridge into an incorrect cartridge holder or attaching the cartridgeand/or cartridge holder onto an incorrect dose setting mechanism.

The disclosed coded cartridge holder also results in a low cost codingmechanism since the disclosed cartridge holders do not require a largenumber of parts and can be manufactured in a cost effective manner.Moreover, there are quite a large number of different cartridge holdercoding configurations between the cartridge holder and the drug deliverydevice that may be used. Consequently, with the disclosed codingschemes, a large number of medicaments can be distinguished from oneanother. In addition, with the disclosed coding schemes, if a userattempts to load an incorrect cartridge into a cartridge holder designedfor a different cartridge, the user will be alerted at an early stage ofthe drug delivery device assembly process.

In addition, the disclosed system can be used to prevent errors duringmanufacturing, when inserting cartridges into disposable cartridgeholders or disposable devices. With an incorrect drug (and henceincorrectly coded cartridge holder), the user is alerted at an earlystage of the assembly process.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described.Those skilled in the art will understand, however, that changes andmodifications may be made to these arrangements without departing fromthe true scope and spirit of the present invention, which is defined bythe claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A cartridge holder for use with a drug delivery device,the cartridge holder comprising: an inner bore being configured toreceive a cartridge; and a fastening mechanism configured to fasten thecartridge holder to the drug delivery device, wherein the drug deliverydevice comprises a cartridge detector configured for mechanicalinteraction with a cartridge accommodated in the cartridge holder,wherein the fastening mechanism is configured such that the mechanicalinteraction between the cartridge detector and the cartridge enablesfastening the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device.
 3. Thecartridge holder of claim 2, configured such that a fastening of thecartridge holder to the drug delivery device is disabled by a cartridgehaving at least one of an incorrect length or diameter.
 4. The cartridgeholder of claim 2, further comprising: a first blocking featureconfigured for engagement with a second blocking feature of the drugdelivery device if a correct cartridge is accommodated in the cartridgeholder, and configured such that on a movement of a part of thecartridge detector along a longitudinal axis the first blocking featureis enabled to engage with the second blocking feature, thereby enablinga fastening of the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device.
 5. Thecartridge holder of claim 4, wherein the fastening of the cartridgeholder is enabled by a cartridge-induced movement of the part of thecartridge detector along the longitudinal axis.
 6. The cartridge holderof claim 2, the fastening mechanism comprising: a first fastenerconfigured to mechanically engage with a second fastener of the drugdelivery device for fastening the cartridge holder to the drug deliverydevice.
 7. The cartridge holder of claim 6, wherein the first fastenercomprises at least one of a pin, a tab and a groove located near aproximal end of the cartridge holder.
 8. The cartridge holder of claim6, wherein the second fastener comprises at least one of a pin, a taband a groove located near a distal end of the drug delivery device, andwherein the first fastener corresponds to the second fastener.
 9. Thecartridge holder of claim 6, wherein, if a correct cartridge isaccommodated in the cartridge holder, the mechanical interaction betweenthe cartridge detector and the cartridge results in the correctconfiguration of at least one of the first fastener and the secondfastener such that an engagement of the first fastener with acorresponding second fastener of the device is enabled.
 10. Thecartridge holder according to claim 4, wherein the first blockingfeature includes one of a pin and a slot located on a proximal end ofthe cartridge holder and being configured to engage with acorrespondingly shaped slot or pin of the second blocking featurelocated on a distal end of the drug delivery device.
 11. The cartridgeholder according to claim 10, wherein the slot includes a notch arrangedperpendicular to the slot and wherein the notch is configured to retainthe pin when the correct length cartridge is inserted into the innerbore of the cartridge holder.
 12. The cartridge holder according toclaim 10, wherein the notch allows the cartridge holder to be rotatedrelative to the drug delivery device and positioned into place withinthe drug delivery device when the pin travels up through the slot.
 13. Adrug delivery device for use with a cartridge holder according to claim2, wherein the cartridge holder accommodates a cartridge and isconfigured to be attached to the drug delivery device, the drug deliverydevice comprising: a device fastening mechanism configured to interactwith the fastening mechanism of the cartridge holder to fasten thecartridge holder to the drug delivery device when the cartridge holderaccommodates a correct cartridge, and a cartridge detector formechanical interaction with the cartridge, configured such that by amechanical interaction of the cartridge with a part of the cartridgedetector fastening of the cartridge holder to the drug delivery deviceis enabled.
 14. The drug delivery device of claim 13, wherein thecartridge detector comprises a second blocking feature for engagementwith a first blocking feature of the cartridge holder, wherein afastening of the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device by thefastening mechanism is enabled by an engagement of the first and secondblocking features.
 15. A method for fastening a cartridge holder to adrug delivery device, the method comprising: providing a set of acartridge holder and a drug delivery device according to claim 13; andcoupling the cartridge holder to the drug delivery device so that aportion of the cartridge acts upon the cartridge detector located withinthe drug delivery device to align the first blocking feature with thesecond blocking feature.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:rotating the cartridge holder so that the second blocking featureengages the first blocking feature, wherein a fastening of the cartridgeholder to the device is enabled.